Sri Mariamman Temple

The rainbow colored Sri Mariamman Temple, also called Wat Khaek, sticks out like a colorful thumb on Silom Road in the heart of Bangkok's financial center. Founded by Tamil immigrants in 1827, the temple is the center of the city's Hindu community. Devoted followers, mostly Indian immigrants, come daily to pray and leave offerings of flowers and fruit to pay respect to the Tamil goddess Mariamman, or Mother Nature. Feel free to participate in making an offering and a priest almost always stationed inside will offer you a prayer. Although, the smoke of the incense and smell of flowers may tend to be overwhelming.

Although the shrine is not very big and will only take a few moments of
your time, it is a great stop if you happen to be in the Silom business
district. The elaborate temple is open to visitors, although be careful not to get in the way of the religious faithful, dress conservatively and refrain from snapping photos.

The shrine was also recently renovated, but still contains
inside the statues of several Hindu gods and goddesses. Images of Maha Uma Devi, the Hindu goddess of mercy, are everywhere. In October crowds of devotees parade her holy images around the streets of Bangkok in celebration.